I kept this story in my pocket for a long time....
In Pittsburgh, September 15th is Roberto Clemente Day.
Every year the whole organization fans out across the city. It's like Christmas. Roberto's family is there, Vera and the boys.
My first year as manager was 2011. We celebrated. We shook hands and moved on.
We didn't win.
19 consecutive losing seasons.
2012 rolls around. Same day, same celebration. We had another losing season, our 20th consecutive.
After the ceremony, Roberto Jr. walked over.
"My mom wants to talk to you."
We went into the dugout. Me, Vera, and her three sons.
She spoke in Spanish. I played four years of winter ball so I understood enough. She wasn't angry, but she was passionate. And I kept hearing Roberto's number come up.
Roberto Jr. translated.
"My mother wants you to know that there cannot be a 21st losing season. That was Roberto's number. It would be a disgrace to his legacy."
She was staring right at me.
Before I could even think about what to say, words came out of my mouth:
"I promise you, Vera. That won't happen."
Roberto Jr. looked at me and said, "You made my mom a promise. I hope you can keep it."
I said, "I hope I can keep it too."
I didn't tell my coaches. I didn't tell the players. I told my wife. That was it.
The next year, 2013, we broke the consecutive seasons losing streak. Ended it at 20.
On Roberto Clemente Day that September, Vera came walking across that field.
And I probably got one of the most meaningful hugs I've ever received in my life.
The players did all the heavy lifting. I just got the hug.
Some promises are worth making before you know if you can keep them.
@Pirates
Red Sox legends all throw out the first pitch!
Jon Lester, Johnny Damon, and Mike Timlin were inducted into the Red Sox HOF, and Bill Mueller's game-winning 2-run home run on July 24, 2004, was selected as the "Memorable Red Sox Moment." ๐
This glow-in-the-dark lightsaber bat is insane ๐คฏ
If you want the chance to win this green lightsaber bat repost and reply and you may be chosen. Do or do not. There is no try ๐
This is INSANE. Omar is literally on the phone with Lemon. His family thinks heโs a Steeler. He asks Omar what the Eagles are doing. His agent runs over with a phone and tells him Philly traded for him. Incompetence.
Pittsburgh broke the all-time round one attendance record with 320,000 fans tonight, topping the 275,000+ who attended in Detroit in 2024, per the NFL.
ADHD is not being able to clean your own kitchen for 6 days but volunteering at a community event for 6 hours on a Saturday because other people's needs activate your brain in ways your own needs don't.
Gifted myself a @BISSELLclean Little Green Mini for Easter! It came in a box labeled as a โCat Cubbyโ but figured it needed a transformation for my girl Cleo. ๐ค #bissellclean#bunnycubby